Almost 1500 years ago in 540, one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland was founded by St Finnian at Movilla. Local tradition claims that St Columba attended the abbey as a student. While there is little trace of the first abbey which was destroyed when the Vikings invaded and plundered the area in the 9th Century, it has continued to be a place of pilgrimage for succeeding generations.
In 1244, the Dominicans visited the area and built a priory. Each year within the remains of that priory in Court Street, present day parishioners meet on or near St Columba's Day in June. On that site, the small Church of Ireland community worshipped in the 18th Century. However, the building was insufficient to meet the needs of a growing population.
In 1817, St Mark's Parish Church was built. Forty years later, the north aisle was added, increasing seating capacity to over 650 people. In 1992 extensive repairs were carried out, and some changes made to the interior of the parish church, including the creation of St Columba's Chapel.
The south façade is an outstanding example of Strawberry Hill Gothic architecture. Much of the restoration work in the past four years has concentrated on this area of the church, which contains rare examples of medieval stained glass.
Our Church is usually open for private prayer and reflection most days.
